12/06/2008 - Party: Champagne Toasts and Lunch

We had champagne and cocktails in the living room. However, I didn't bring the camera out until we moved to the lanai, where lunch was served. Much at the suggestion of the hosts, Jackie and Tom Miller, I would like to thank all those who helped make this party happen, including...

Dee Nuser, Brother's Bistro, Fallbrook, CA for catering the event. www.brothersbistro.net tel. 760.731.9761. Menu included their Award Winning 5"-high Lasagna. Steve and Holly Chabre for hosting the champagne ("the good stuff"). Christie MacLean for decorating the place with flowers. Lisa Eshelman for being the best sister in the world (to Gigi) and helping with favors, posters, setup, this blog, and all you do! You always give 120% and make chores seem fun! Vera Nemecek for organizing, decision making, and being serogate mother (to Lisa and me). You are our rock. Tom Miller (my father) for your selfless generosity in hosting this party and letting us borrow your wife for two days while you worked by yourself in "rehab" recovering from a STROKE! I am no longer worried about you, Dad! Nothing can get you down! Although you were not able to attend, you were so much a part of this event. We love you, Dad. Jackie Miller (my mom) for hosting, organizing, and creating this event. Mom, you are the most beautiful person. You think I am so different from you, but I hope I have a fraction of the love in my heart that you have.

Paulette and Steve

Above photo... Steve! And they say the kids are bad about playing with their iphones all the time!

Jackie, Paulette, Marie, Steve, and Lisa

Paulette's nephew, Steve, was the most handsome one at her table (see photo above). Steve's dad, Pierre, was Paulette's first cousin. There were eight first cousins born in the Los Angeles area who grew up together like brothers and sisters. They loved each other and were always very close. You will see photos of Pierre and the other cousins throughout the history section of this blog. The only two that remain are Paulette and Marie, also shown in photo above.

Annie and Mary

Above photo is proof positive that sisters love hanging out together!

Eddie and Gina

Eddie MacLean and Gina Luffman (photo above) travelled all the way from Bishop, California to celebrate Paulette's special day!

Edie and Christie

Doug, Lisa, and Paulette

Mary and Jackie

See photo above... Did you see the movie "Legally Blonde?" Look out, Elle, here come your two fashionista buddies, Mary and Jackie!

Vera

Vera had a great time helping Jackie, Gigi, and Lisa put together this party... enjoying it here! (Photo above)

Jennifer, Scott, Peter, and Sharon

Photo above is the Carlsbad crew hanging out together. Scott is Marie's granson. Peter and Sharon are dear friends of Paulette's.

Peter, Sharon, Kristin, and Billy

Kristin and Billy (photo above) are Paulette's neighbors. In photo below, you will see Kristin's husband (and Billy's dad), Nick. Nick and Kristin were nice enough to supply extra parking for the party.

Nick, Jiri, and Vera

Toast by Holly

Sorry Holly (see photo above)! UGH! My only photo of Holly. Her brilliant blue eyes were blinking shut as she made a memorable toast to Paulette. I think Lisa took a photo of Holly with her eyes open. This one is still a good photo. Holly is a beauty... even with her eyes shut. Love ya, Holly!

Doug, Paulette, Joel, and Steve

In photo above, Joel gets sentimental with Paulette. Paulette is so lucky to have such an excellent nephew like Joel.

On another note... I managed to get a photo of every guest at the party except Joel's son, Lucas. Did Lucas manage to avoid my camera and Lisa's too? Lucas is almost 18 now, and he has great memories of growing up and spending time with his great-aunt Paulette and great-uncle Chuck. Have you ever noticed the funny little trails in the hillside next to Paulette's driveway? They are not tiny animal trails or some sort of strange geological phenomena. As young boys, Lucas and his brother would spend hours chistling trails in the embankment for their miniature car collection.

Joel and Others

"Mother-in-law"

Above photo speaks for itself! Doug had a great time at the party, and he was definitely Jackie's favorite son-in-law at the party.